Teen arrested for drug scam

A Franklin County teen is facing adult drug trafficking charges after allegedly running a scam operation where he claimed to have five pounds of marijuana for sale, authorities said.

Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett said Alex Jovan Parrish, 17, 301 E. Montgomery St., Russellville, was arrested Friday and charged with conspiracy to traffic more than five pounds of marijuana.

Alex Parrish

Authorities said Parrish is charged as an adult because the charge of conspiracy to traffic marijuana is classified as a Class A felony and is punishable by 10 years to life in prison if convicted.

Investigators with the Russellville Police Department said officers were alerted Thursday morning that Parrish had been seeking individuals who were interested in purchasing $5,000 worth of marijuana so that he could use the money to purchase a vehicle.

Investigators said Parrish allegedly claimed to have marijuana plants growing in Colbert County.

“The Colbert County Drug Task Force was notified of Parrish’s claims and set up an undercover drug operation targeting him,” Hargett said. “They were a key resource in the arrest.”

Authorities said during the operation, Parrish accepted $5,000 from an undercover law enforcement agent for the marijuana.

Investigators said Parrish was arrested immediately after accepting payment for the drugs.

Parrish is being held in the Franklin County Jail on $20,000 bail.